How’s your 2025 so far, Victoria?
If you’re like us, you’ve been working hard to get those new year goals set and into practice and perhaps, you’re taking a bit of a break from social gatherings after a busy holiday season!
Taking a break will look different for everyone, but if you’re hoping to cut back on the overindulgence of holiday-centred food and drinks—particularly alcoholic beverages—we’ve got you.
Plenty of restaurants and breweries are providing more and more zero proof beverages, many of which are presented just as beautifully as any cocktail or beer, and we wanted to highlight some!
Whether you’re pushing to complete Dry January or it’s your year-round preference, here’s a quick list of some of our favourite non-alcoholic go-tos:
Whistle Buoy
Whistle Buoy has released a new line of non-alcoholic beer!
Included is a Dark Beer, described as dark, malty and smooth; Pilsner, said to be crisp, floral and grassy; Pale Ale with a balanced fruity and hoppy taste; and IPA, described as hoppy, hazy and juicy—a super well-rounded list to appeal to any beer lover.
Not feeling beer? No worries! They also have virgin Caesars and other feature virgin cocktails as well.
- Where: Market Square, Lower Courtyard, #63, 560 Johnson Street
- When: Open seven days a week—hours vary
Friends of Dorothy
Not only does Friends of Dorothy provide an elegant atmosphere packed full with exciting entertainment, they also have a wide variety of mocktails!
Try the Lullaby League with chamomile tea, lemon juice, honey, and egg white; the Lollipop Guild Signature with lychee, passionfruit, lemon juice, grenadine and soda; and many, many more.
Catch a drag performance and sip from their expertly crafted non-alcoholic section!
- Where: 537 Johnson Street
- When:
- Wednesday and Thursday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Friday to Sunday from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Phillips Brewery
Beloved brewery Phillips has a wide selection of non-alcoholic beer under their IOTA line!
Choose between a classic Pilsner, Blackberry Lemon Ale, Pale Ale, Hazy IPA and Cerveza—or get them in a mix pack.
They also have delicious soda waters available in their tap room and in many grocery stores on the island!
- Where: 2000 Government Street
- When: Open seven days a week—hours vary
Clive’s Classic Lounge
Cheekily named “I can’t taste the alcohol, because there isn’t any,” Clive’s Classic Lounge has a simple and curated non-alcoholic selection for your needs!
Try out their Nogroni, Hope It Flies or Anywhere We Go mocktails and see for yourself.
Clive’s is one of the most awarded cocktail bars in Canada, so you’re in good hands!
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- Where: 740 Burdett Avenue
- When:
- Tuesday to Thursday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Frankie’s Diner
We took to social media and asked you for favourites, and Frankie’s Diner was one of them!
On top of their delicious selection of fresh, home-style meals and retro cocktails, they also have a fantastic selection of non-alcoholic choices.
From milkshakes to Frankie’s own citrus sodia (soda with muddled lemon, lime, orange wedges), there’s bound to be something to quench your thirst!
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- Where: 910 Government Street #38
- When: Open seven days a week—hours vary
Glo Restaurant
Another mention from the residents of Victoria!
In addition to their selection of beautifully curated meals and cocktails, Glo Restaurant is known for their elevated atmosphere with patio seating and ocean views.
Glo has a special portion of their menu, titled “Zero Proof,” containing ten non-alcoholic selections—many of which have the classy feel of the cocktail without the weight of booze.
A couple of options include the Grapefruit Fizz, Venice Peach, Pineapple Push and No Way Rose!
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- Where: 2940 Jutland Road
- When:
- Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Citrus & Cane
They are currently closed for their annual break, but will be back on January 24th!
While you eagerly wait for their doors to open again, you can check out their marvelous non-alcoholic section on the menu.
Included is the Co-lyre Colada, Like a Lotus, Tall, Dark & Minty, as well as some zero proof beer and soda.
- Where: 1900 Douglas Street
- When: Hours vary
Earl’s Victoria
Also on the “Zero Proof” train, is popular chain restaurant, Earl’s!
Items on their menu include the Coconut Mango Cooler, Sparkling Raspberry Lemonade, Pineapple Cucumber Mule and Italian Spritz.
Enjoy their chic atmosphere while you treat yourself to a refreshing beverage without the cost or worry of alcohol.
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- Where: Bay Center Victoria, 1199 Government Street #100
- When: Open seven days a week—hours vary
Do you have another favourite, Victoria? Let us know in the comments!
